Spring shackle mechanism



Aug. 29,1933. o. u. ZERK 1,924,587

SPRING SHACKLE MECHANI SM Filed April 12, 1952 5 sheets-sheet 1 Aug. 29, 1933. o, u. zERK 1,924,587

SPRING SHACKLE MEGHANSM Filed April 12, 1952 5 sheets-sheet 2 122 fC/l 127 Aug. 29, 1933. .l o. U ZERK 1,924,587

SPRING SHACKLE MECHANI SM Filed April 12, 19252 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I ,A wil/MMIII:

20 INVENTOR.

7] Z VBY l 26 4 758 5 2@ A TTORNEYS Aug. 29, 1933. Q .;ll ZERK l 1,924,587

SPRING SHACKLE MECHANISM Filed April 12, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

PLAY H6.. v U

Sgm RP A TTORNEY1 Aug. 29, 14933. Q U ZERK 1,924,587

SPRING SHACKLE MECHANISM Filed April 12, 1932 n 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 l. I 1&7 f5

'I A* f" 'r 71,'

metal particles `from bothofy the relativelyilarge V contacting bearing surfaces andthe deterioration` r offthe lubricant by the:incorporation"therein of` such particles, and also `because of the g'ritiwliich i is unavoidably carried/ or 'forced into Vth bearing and deposited on the bfgalr`ing surfaces 'during 4the s loperation of renewingthelubricant `L L29 Various means have been devised and l' l Vto flush outtlie'oldlubricant andntlius'toclean the 'theJ knife jedgei bearingjelernent therein, Awhereby bearing" surfaces byfthe lubricant renewalzoperation among which are the presentldayhiglrprekv sure lubricating systems, butthesefhfave onlypart-- cant is forcedv into a bearing` seine of trne'old lubricant jln'ay beAforced out but practically all lof, it

comes" fronithoseportionsof the bearing surfaces therf than those pressure ,bearingcontact Ihe old`lubricant,`- in which is incorporatedthe metal particles worn '.fromthe :bearing surfaces, i

Y ,grit 'etc.`reniains at the bearing srfaces'vvliich are inmutual Contact pressure; 1

of the vehicle, or if lubricatedat tljletime of in cant renewed therein duringthe lifeofvlthefvef hicle.V .l.' v t I ',Another object `is to provide, inra :bearing cnstruction of thesprng shackle typejimprovedfref siliently operated packing means "to prei/cnt the l ingressofdust and grit tothe bearing surfaces., Another Objectis t0,,pIfOvideaspringsliackle construction .Wliereinthe hanger elements of,l .the

housing, rneansl tofjprevent*longitudinal for" a'xial ly eectedthe result soughtiy When'nevv lubrif *element after having been fnioved" *Anotherobj ect is to provide a bearing' construe? 4fl shackle'rnay engage thegbearin'g elements onprf i vAnother object ,is toprovidea bearing construetion 'of 'the knife'edge` type adaptablefor use in 'spring shackles .wherein the .knifeedge portions of 'the bearing rnayfbe maintained in normal rocking y engagementwith'each other; evenif the, axes ot 0J* l thejfshacklelnd "ofthe 'hanger and/orspringeye are" forced outl of parallel'relation, to eachother. l

i Anotlierobjectt isfto. provide,'j in4 aj knife edge bearing construction,rneansffor effectinga lat-Y eral ,rocking vmovement around" .'aina'xisI iat; an fangle torthe `axis oi 'the' knife edge" wherebyV to ip rovide inftl'ie healing' a; universalinovement 'Anqtherj Qbjecmsito provide; in shackle bear;

ing construction, Vhaving a: bushing orfbearing movement-bf the; bushigf 'er' musing .lative to i lendthr'ust Abearing of-the bushing or oify ftlievspring i e' eenelosing the sarneinay'beprevented Another object Vis. lto vprovide, in asprng shackle n `b airing construction havingqpackingor sealingj inears'iniprovedrneans'within thesealing'means, f for taking end "thrust" movements of them -fmnother-bject is'to prcvidefia spfihgfsualeliie ConstructionY,A rneansffor taking end thrustfinthe f n "bearing whereby the Springyr hanger L 'be' maintainedin `spaced 'relation to tlie'f link ele? vina-y ments 'rhangeryoke elements to; preventfriction n' V`bearing*constructionin-vvhicli the kni'ieedgfel ele,L t mnt'is Screwed: upon theimer Wallefrabeaf- A ing1 enclosinglbushing; means permittingthe vknife n ,mating beeringelemet# v. t. i -Another object -isfto provide; inaiknife edge, bearing of the type in .which a knife edgefelernent,

"closing bushingmeans whereby the fknife'jedge metrical Vposition relative to its, mating bearing r y muisaidpuiftiongby yan oscillation or extreme Inovernen construction in which play or clearance may be Y maintained between thespring or spring eye orA hanger eye and the shackle/links.

Another object is to provide, in aknife edge bearing construction of the type lin which a sec tor-form knife edge element rockingly' oscillates upon a` mating bearing element,Y an improved con i struction inwhicli the line of rocking contactmay two. bearing elernents.`v l

` be eiected uponhardenefd insert,portionsof the Other objects ,of my invention Vtlfierinvention itself will. become more apparent to those 7 skilled in the rrart to which my invention appferf tainsfby reference to 'thefollowing' description `l5 ofv certain embodiments of myfinventionwhich are illustrated in the. accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is, shacklenconstruetion lembodying my invention, the shaclde'being onev of which tliehangerzis located yabove the spring, `and Athe View being ltaken approximately from Aa yplane transversely Figfl is a view taken along Vthe line 7 fof afmotorlvehicle;v

Fig. 2jis a -.sectionalY view offtheshackle of 'Fkg' Italia. approximately alongftheline ofnigii; Fig.'3 is a view Vof a shackle boltelement which "Iy may employ,v andfwhich is illustrated in Figs.. 1k

.and 2, the'boltofFig. 3 .appearing as if viewed fromthe direction 'of the* arrow-3v lof Fig. 1;v w

'/Fig. 4.is a viewiofa .:uslfiing or .bearing housing element 'which Inlay vemploy in a'sso'ciationwith the shackle bolt element yof Fig. 3,' the bushing of FigL/i appearing. asif viewed in the direction of the arrow-tof Fig-1'; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View of 'some of the elements'of Fig. 2 with the elements impositions which they assumeduring an assembly operation thereof;l A j 1j Fgvlis a fragmentary :view similar `to a part of Fig. 2 and illustratinga modification;

Figs andi) are viewssimilarto a part ofFg. 6

illustrating modifications;

Y Figs. lDfand 11 are diagrammaticviews villus*- trating"certain'features 'of construction and the lInode ofY operationl thereof, `ci a paircf knife Aedge 'line18ofFg .1; I A. n Fig. 1 9 isa diagrammatic .view` illustrating a- "feature offthemode ofroperation of a ymutually Y Fig. 201s a'view 70 l Fig. 21 iis'a graph betweer'i the radius lof curvature Iof a blunt edge y lknife edge bearing element' which lI'. may employ Y and, requisite clearance V.for the lmating bearing ,bearing elements r.vhich I may employ; `1 f Figs. 12 and 13 are fragmentary'views ill-shat-v Fig. 14 is a view generally similar v to Fig.V 1 but v illustrating my'i'nventionas embodiedjin another v*type ofshackle;

"',Fig. V15 `is a sectionalview taken alongthe line' mais isa newline-traurig the application of my invention to vthe connection between a springV eyeand a hanger, the view being'tak'en on a plane longitudinal of thevehicle;

Fig.. 17 is va.view Ataken along the Fia-16; Y 1

` fragmentary view taken along the' une 17 of Fig. V18 is a engaged pair,-y of knife edge bearing elements which Imayemployj I similar to Fig. 19 illustrating anotherfeature; y A f f illustrating certain relationsl elementthereof.;

a cross-sectionalview of, afspringvv be "described therefore are undericcmpression'.

'innerwall `of* the bushing.,

of. Fig. 6;.V

' fspacedj -V Y Y s, The'bolt elements11'are assembledV inthe body portionr20, andthe body portion 2is longia split lex'teiiding `into the interior of' theeyes Referring to the drawings,-Figs. l and 2,1 have i illustratedat 1 an automotive .vehicle chassis channel towhich is riveted vby rivets'Z-Zl a shackle.

lhanger 3 comprisinglahollow tubular eye 4, 'the' axis `of Which-is disposed substantially horizontal. At'5, Fig. 2,11 have iilustrated a vehicle spring hav-l ing a spring eye 6 of the usual hollow. cylindrical form disposed at its axishorizontal and parallel to the axis of the eye f4, the eye 6 vertical below the eye 4.

In the shackle under consideration, the spring 5 lis supported lfrom `below as 'by thevehicleaxle and being spaced the elements'of the shackle construction 'now-t0 The eyes 4 and 6 arettedl with internal bushings V7V and 8 respectively, the bushing 8 being illus? trated separately in Figa; and the bushings being 1 `identicalexcept'tliat thebushingv 7 is disposed in Y the shackleina vdifferent position. Atl spaced l intervals lengthwisejof the busliingfvits4 wall is i'.

pressed inwardly as atQ-Q toprcvide a longitudin lnalseries ofy internal ribsle-li) extending app1^oxinf1atelyl one-third of theuway aroundrthe Through each' of the bushings?? and'S isfprofn l' -vjected arbearingbolt element 11, the two elements l1 being preferably.identioaland oneoi'which is shownseparatelyin FigmS. y Y The bolt elements 11 aresubstantiallyxof semi- (cylindrical form andthe portion intermediatethe.-

` Y end thereof.'isvprovided With a longitudinal series of circumferential grooves 12M-12 longitudinally j bushing with theribs l0 of? the fbushinginterrneshed lin the groovesV l2 of the boltelement;

and to enact this assembly.withiespecttqihg kupper bushing?, the lbolt` Velenvent llisirst di".- Q

"posed in the bushing'lin the rotatedpositionof .:V vFig.5 andthen bolt element 11 is rcta.ted"th1ough lbyjgwhich operationthe rribs l@ arebrought Yinto intermeshed vrelation" withr thejlg'rooves 125? ofthe elemerntll.k

v l .-As will noW be .seenY from thezdrawings, the

bolt elements 1l occupysubstantially oneehalfoi theinterior of ithef'bushings 7 andl. A knifev edge bearing element '.13 'is V,placed :within theVV bushings. Tlie'elements 13 are of'sector-orm in j Vcross-section as shownin .thedrawings andare jdisposed with the knife' edge le thereofY along 'the, center line ofthe bolt elementll and V'with vvthegenerally cylindrical opposite surface ,thereof K v disposed along `the Wall of the bushing.,y Y 1 Around the four cylindrical portions thuisprog,

vided at'the opposite'ends ofthe bolt element 1l,V l@

the'eyes 181-18 liave a pair. of similar shackle links 19u19.v The shackle links 19 ithusf'comprise an eye'portion 18-,18 at oppositevendsgof a Y n tudinally,jthat isrvertically, split asl at 2li, the K 18-'18. yBolts 22%,;22 lare nprojected through .the

links 19 in position@ ,draw ythe portemonnelinlsrony opposite" sides; of the split 21' toward y each other with a clamping action whereby the,kl

- bolt element llby virtue of the engagement of edgeelement 13 to thebushing VSand thence to eyes 18-18 are constrictingly clamped upon the jointly cylindrical bolt element 11- and `filler 15 to make a rigid structure comprising Vthevtwo links and the two bolt elements 1l. I

The bolt elements 11 are provided withy cylindricalgrooves2525`in their outer cylindrical portions engaged by the bolts 25 whereby the bolt elements 11 are rocked against rotation and against axial movement in the eyes 413 ofthe links. 1 l H iV The eyes 18 extend axially inwardly toward the hanger eye 14 and spring to apoint adjacent to the axial end of thelatter butare spaced therefrom as at 26-26 to'. provide at all times a clearance space.`

In Athis connection it will be observed that the its grooves 12 with the ribs 10 of the bushing is prevented from longitudinal movement relative to the bushing and therefore relativ-etc the eye4 orv the eye 6; and the eyes 18 beingV rigidly connected to the bolt element 11 are prevented from axial movement relative to the 4 and 6 to maintain the clearance 25 abovereferred-to.

The inwardly directed confronting portions of the eyes 18-18 are provided with recesses 27427 in which an annular ring 28 of packing material is disposed sealingly engaging lthe cylindrical surface of the joint cylinder 15-11 as at 29 andv also sealingly engaging the planular ends ofthe bushings7'and8asat30.

To insure permanence of the seal and to effect the same with the desired pressure,- theouter annular surface of the packing element 28 is bevel'ed as at 31-to provide a frusto-conical surface 31 and a metal ring conforming to the frustoconical surface is disposed thereon kvas at 32, and a compression spring 33 abuts'at 'one end upon thebottom of the `recess 27 and at the other endupon the ring 32 to thus compress the packing Velement 28 both inwardly radially and inwardly axially against vthe surfaces-29 and `30 above referred to.

In cross-sectional view as above described, the knife edge element 13 "conforms generally, at

jportions opposite its'knife edge 14,1V @to the inner Wall of the bushings `7 and"8.` Preferably, however, longitudinally, as viewed in Fig.V 1, the element 13 isslightly rounded from end to end where it fengages the inner wall of the-bushing; and rthus'with the parts in a normal position,` the element 13 engages the inner wall of the'bush'-` ing at a central point 35 and'clears thewall :of vthe bushing in a direction longitudinally therefrom, forrexample as at 36.I

The inner confronting ends of opposite llers 15-15 are disposed adjacent the corresponding theibutton-like .elements 13 and the knife edge element 13 will be arnegligible amount. i

In the opera-tion `of the shackle construction described above, load on the channel 2 is transmitted downwardly through the eye 4 to the bushing 7 andthence Ythrough the upper knife edge element13 to the bolt element 11, thence through the shackle links 19-19 to ktheV lower bolt element 'l1 and from it through `the lower knife the spring eye 6,

Upon flexing of thev spring ,5, the spring eye 6 swings around thehanger eye 4 inthe usual man-z ner of shackles, and during this movement in the shackle above described,` the bearing vmovement, is a' rocking movement of the knife edges 14 upon` the planar farcesA 17 of the bolt elements 11. Ihe frictionalengagementof the knife Yedge elements `13 withitheir encircling` bushings .willmaintain them normally in a symmetrical position with respect `to the 'bolt elementsll. j v v Upon theoccurrence of lateral'thrust upon the shackle by lateral movements ofthe vehicle body,` i

transmitted to. the, channel 1, the hanger eye 4 and spring eye '6 willttendLto shift out of lvertical alignment, and this would tend to unequalize the so f pressure engagementalong the'knife edge 14 of the `element 14; `but, in'the construction above de-` scribed, comprising the longitudinally rounded form of the `knife edge element 13 and the clearance providedV thereby at 36-36, the knife edge element l3-:will roll longitudinally in the bushings Y 7 and 8, and thus the: equalized knife edge bearing v pressure will be maintained and the entire shackle may. rock onits knife edgesuniniluenced by the side swing to which it issubjected.

Y Due to the fact that the bearing engagementof hardened rustless or stainless' carbon chromiumV steel. The use of such steel'v prevents any lformation of rust and the consequentdust and grit which otherwise mightimpair dry bearing surfaces. And grit and other deleterious substances v`are prevented from having 'access lto the knife edge bearing elements by the sealing packing 28.

However, if desired lubricant `may be employed,

such for example, as high Viscosityfoil vor-grease made with highviscosity oil, and `such lubricant may be packed into the chamber formed by ,the bushings 'Tand 8. i t

When lubricant is employed, as will now be understood, it will `ll the sector-shaped portions of the chamber, 40 and 41, on opposite sides Vof the knife edge ,14, and will lubricate the engaged surfaces of the rib' 10 and groove 12 above described,

as well as the generally cylindrical surface Aof the knife edge element opposite the knife edge 14 engaging the inner wall of the bushing, vand the ends of the knife edge,V elements 13 where vtheyengage the button-like eievations 37. Thus all' parts ofthe bearing construction may be reached by lubricant packed in the bushing chamber. e When lubricant is employed, any relatively violent swing of the shackle such as will mibstantiallyv close up the chamber portion 40, for example, .will

compress the lubricant in that chamber portion.

By providing the button elevations 37--37, there is correspondingly provided a clearance, space 42 between the ends of the knife edge elements 13 and the inner ends of the fillers 15, and lubricant V compressed in one chamber portion `such as the` rchamber' portion` 40 may owtlfirough the clearance spaces42-'42 into the` other` chamber ,por- 'i tions,`such as the portion 41.

Thus the lubricant may flow from point to pointwithinfthe chamber toiequalize the pressure thereof and will beat alltinies sealed with- Y The .knife edge elementV 13, asdescribed above, e

is not rigidly secured to the innerv wall of the bushing 7 or 8 in which it is disposed, butis free to rotate around on the inner'wall of the bushing. Therefore, Vupon a very violent swing of Athe shackle construction, the planar face 17 ofthe bolt element 11 may rotate on the knife edge 14 sufficiently far to bring itinto engagement" with the knife edge element .13. InyFig; 10v'is illustratedthe normal positio'nvofthe elements' 11 and 13, and in Fig. 1l their relative positions resulting from a violent swing of vthe shackle; and as shown vin Fig. 11,' the vknife edgeelement 13'is vbrought into axial contact with the element 11 idly supported.

The lateral sides-0f the knife edge dement 13,

shown generally at 465-46, are formed so thatv upon impact of lthese sides with the surface 17 of v the bolt element 11, the impact will occur on the relement 13' at portions remote from the knifeV edge 14. The form referred to is clearly illus- C trated in Figs. l0 andll,

w'fis'shoivn in these igures, the lateral sides 46 comprise a radial portion 47 remote from knife edge 14, an intermediatezrecess portion 48, and a portion 49 vadjacent the knife edge-14 lying Within a radius ilalong which the portion 47 lies. Thus, upon impact with the surface 17, the radial portion 47 will engage the surface, and the portion 49 will lee out of engagement therewith, except at the knife edge 14; and furthermore, the

Yrecess .portion 48Will provide an escape passagewayl for lubricant between theV surface 17 and the surface generally at' 46; and it will be under- Ustood from the .above description, lubricant in the passageway 48 may flow longitudinally of the knife' edge element 13,- to the clearance spaces 42 at the ends ofthe element and thence into the v chamberV portion ori-the other side of the knife edge. i v

The knife edge A14 may be a relatively sharp edge, but I prefer to provide an edge 14 Which is relatively rounded. One advantage of a rounded Vedge isfthat as the knife edge element 13 moves With its relative rocking movement on the bolt element 11, the actual line cf Contact on the element 11 will shift and be inV the nature of a rollmovement whereby the contact surface vmay be'continucuslylubricated. Y

Again, it will be observedas'described.above,

Y that the surface of the knife edge element oppo- Cil site theknife edge conforms generally to the inner cylindrical surfaceof the bushing in which Vit is disposed, and therefore, duringtherelative rocking movement of thev knife edge element, it

' tend.:v tcreniain coaxial with theY bushing; thus, i

' edge element 13 constantly tends to return to the symmetrical positionof Fig. l0. This-may be understood by referring to Fig. 11. In that figure the knife edge element 13 is illustrated as having beenA displaced from its symmetricalposition by a relatively violent swing of the shackle and by impact of the surface A17`of the element 11 upon-the radial portion 47 of the e1e`ment13.

When the element 1x1 relatively returns tothe normal position in which the surfaceA 17 is horizontal in Fig. l11, then due to the roundedY knife n ,I

edge .14, surface 17 Will engage the element 13on a portion of the rounded edge which is toward the left of the verticalfcenter line, n'Fig.v 1,1. Thereafter the pressure of the surface 17011 the element 13V tends to produce a counter-clockwise torque or Vcouple on the element 13 and, since the element 13 isfree to rotate in vits bushing around its center, the element 13 will rgradually drift counter-clockwise yto take up ultimately its symmetrical position of Fig. 10. f

In Figs. 19, 20, and 21,1 have illustrated dia.- gramrn'atically other effects resulting jfrom,` the employment of a rounded knife edge 14. In Fig. 19, Ythe circle represents the inner wall ofthe bushing 3 of Figs. 1 and2, and the bolt element 11 and knife'edge/element '13 are illustrated as The linesA r56---56 to disposed in the bushing. 60-66 inclusive represent the lateral or side Walls between the knife edge' 14. For the lines 516-456, the knifeedge 14 is a sharp edge. Forthe lines 66-60 theknife edge is a greatly `rounded edge, as indicated atsl, which roundedcurveV merges into the lines '5w-6d lThe `knife edges for the lines 57-59 inclusive are edges 14r of intermediate degrees of curvature or radius.

In Fig. 20, the same parts as VinFig. 19k are illustrated, andv inthe figure the bolt element ll ris shown in an extreme rocked position. `The planar surface of the element 11 is illustrated in different positions, 62-66 inclusive, these' being the positions Which-the surface takes up when l rocked to the extreme vposition on element 13, having diiferent degrees of roundness of the edge 14. For example-the surface 17 takes up .the position 66 uponv the same surface, is rocked around counter-clockwise with-.the element 11r and until the surface 66 becomes coincident with the lateral side 60 of the knife'edge element 13.v

Yof the knife edge element 13, embracing there- Inasmuch as the element 11 isdisposed within the inner'wall; 55 yof its bushing, kand inasmuch 1 .Y

as'the surface 17 moves radially-awayA from 'the allV knife edges except the sharp knife edge having the side wall 56-56, the cross-sectional shape of the element 11 must be less than a semi-circle, otherwise it would morethan ll the inner center of the bushingY as-it rocks around uponk the rounded knife edge 14, it follows that foi" Wall of the bushing 55 at all positions except the` position of- Fig-19. v

Thus, where the rounded edge 14 isy employed, clearance or play is provided on the generally-y sharp edge 14 is employed, and the intermediate ycurves 69-71l inclusive represent the element 11 for` knife edge velements having intermediatedegrees of curvature. rvThe space between any lines 68-72 inclusive and the'inner wall 55-of the` bushingis the clearance or play Whchwmay be provided. v v In the graphic chart of Fig.' 21, `suitable play or clearance is illustrated corresponding to'dif-V ferent degrees Vof roundness of theknifeedge14.`

For a perfectlyrsharp edge'no clearancefis needed..` For an edge havinggenerally a radius of th of an inch, a play orclearancc of .0083 should be provided. correspondingly, for .edges hav- 1.59524, gli

mg a radius @r1/8th inch, ,apn inch, van' meri,

etc., corresponding clearances 'of .0166, 'and .0249,"

I y V l `f, ing elernfentg-even when thebearing ispsubjectedto As just described in tclonnfecti'on with Figs". -19

and .0332, etc. should be provided.

to 21, the generally fcylindricalsurface Aof fthe Ybolt element il may. be formed to clear the cylindrical inner Vwall, of the "bushing bya'ii' amount variable in accordance with 'thefdegr'ee ef curva-- ture loi the knifeedge "14; but it willbe underffstod'tlatthe element 1 1 need not have clear` ance along the edges ofthe planular surface `1'?,

for example at "I-i5` in Fig. 19. n Of course some clearance' must be' provided `at these"`points to permit the elementv 11`to rotatefin the bushing,

and suchclearance maybe of the'orderof .003y

inch, but noV additional clearance needbe prom`r` vided vat these points in' View of `a rounded knife edge.14 for `the purposes above described.

Referring Vnow to Fig. V20,g1have reproduced the conditions resulting `when the shackle *perlforms a violent swing.

As illustrated, the bolt clockwise through a considerable angle, and the planular surface 1'7 ifsrpresented'to the edge 1liA of. theV knife edge element at an inclination.A

' Under these conditions the .downward Vload on' the bushing 7, .transmitted thereto from the eye 4, may cause the knife'edge 14 to slide along the surface 174 Whereupontheinner wall ofthe bushing will be brought -into actual .contact withfthe r element 11 on theV portion 75 `Whereat, as abovev stated, the normal) clearance was of a nature of .003 of an inch. Relative rocking movement of theelement ll'onf the element l13 may tend to cause' .abrasion at the portion'75 on the bushing Wall butsuchl a'rasion'will be` wholly negligible In the first place there'will `'oeno abrasion ordinarily because the ordinary swingsuof the shackle do not exceed 15. ,It is onlyrin rare cases that) the swing of the shackle is more than this, amount, and it, is thus only in) extraordinarily violent operation that there is anyfrictionwat all oni'the `portion 75. The normal A clearance of `.003` 'of an inch is suiiicient to insure that the wall of thev bushing will at all times be lubricated, so that g 4when contact between the bushing and Vthe por-,r

tion does occur it will lbeupon lubricate'd'sur-j; faces. VThe bolt element llfan'dthe bushing arey preferably made of hardened steel, and thejactual pressure between the rubbing yparts'at' the Yportieri 75 is relatively small' in `any case',A and is 4only momentary, occurringas it does onlyati extreme portions of occasional violentmswingsfjThus a Wholly negligible amount of, abradedj'material is l ever produced by this actionto contaminate any lubricant, applied tothe bearing, or to abradethe bearing surfaces.

l'As will now be clear,A from the foregoingv descgipff 'tion,`I have provided a` bearing construction particularlyadaptable to shackles, and'vfwhic'h may be operated without" any lubrication Whatever, or'j may be packed lubrication'v which .Willf last@` throughout `the entire life' offvthe lcar, without rel* newal. `The central bearing elements are enclosed,Y

within Yafchamloef sealed therein byv packing" ele'- meritsA -1 resiliently I maintained `with pressure against the portions or 'surfaces which theyseall Upon relative rocking movementofonejkiiifeedge"' bearing element upon the othentheincompres` sible lubricant is free tovshi'ft orj pflow,from one,

side of the chamber to the other to avoid hammer blows, and the like, which would otherwisejoccur.

The two knife edge bearing elements are automatically relatively; adjustable ,whereby the ,knife 1 1 is rotated counter` 'tion illustratedin FigsEGyandj'?, a nconstruction fompressur'e er'igagementlwithl its nating'rocb severe lateralthrusts. End thrusts, that is to say, thrustsl longitudinally of the' knife edge bearing,

rare` absorbed by-Ibearingportioiis of negligible-f5- frictionjwhich may be thoroughly'- lubricated.`""`

The springeye and thehanger eye of the shackle are at all times. maintained eut of Contact with` the' shackl links, andtiief eyes` at" their"erl'ds;

e5,l -A knifeedge'elehient is employedof suchforniv f90 in its'matin'g bearing element, and is so-designed,

that it will graduallyireturn to its normalpositon'." The bearing constructionpermitsl'ofthej ufse'of,Y

either a'sharp knifefedge or aroundedjjlmife edge, 4andWhatever edge is employed'theconstnic-j at 'alltirnes'be lubricated.

9s tion'insureslthatfthe actualroekirigcontact sh* u Referring now to Ya'v modification `of ry infven-v vided, :but in this "form ythe Vknife edge"elementv shown generally at 13`ha's @the knife .edgef 80 The `opposite sidesof tlie insertar-e parallelpro-Qv longitudinaledge .of the" knife" edge thereofis rounded longitudiiiall-y;q

diateportion'Z with the bottom 83'of the groove andon portionsrernote from the pointZ in foppo insert 851therein longitudinally `rounded as indiv y cated ft 861 similarly to theV longitudinalsround shaped concave surface atthe apex ogfjwhic'h tlieknife edge olfy the insertT85isgdispesed."v The" knife edge 87 and the insert *85m aresformed'toemibrace amore acute anglethan; the' correspond# ing portions of the other forms topermita substantial relative rockingmovement'without con-- thereof formedjupon a hjardsteelf insert 81 mount; i, l 'ed in alongitudinal groove, Vinthefelement132.1205 'ceedingvgenerally awayjfrournthe edgegr.' The; sert remote'frin the and thus makes pressure Contact 'atan interme site directionshas clearance Withithebottorn 83asL 4at 841-84.*Y Thus 'the hardenedelementvlmay", ,rock longitudinally 'in the knife Vedge 4element `13` Correspgondingly,A the bolt element 88 .isfpro vided With Va hardened-,steel insert-69 having a'V-. -v

tacty engagementk of the insert 8,5 `or element, 87 i with the concave surface. Si),AV andthe lelement 87 j has, wings `91- 9l of substantialcircurnfereritialv extent,whereby the end sofA the win'gs mayl en`" gage'theplanar surface 92of the bolt88 with concurrent` clearancebetween theconcave surface 90 `and theoppositeportions of:l theknifejedgeeley ment.- 'Y l y Inrthe modification sl'iowrnl in Fig. 9, the' 'knife edge element proper 931sformedv integral with hardened insert 97m the bolt element 98. v "In the modication'shown in Figs. 12 and13, instead lofffthe 'inwardly "directed ribs 10, and

grooves 12 meshed therewith ,ofv Figs, `1 to l9 ,21

provide a' boltfeleineiit 100 having Qutwar'dly:exl tending ribs 1,01 whichV .project into and i' -rnesh with correspondingslots :1`02jin the bushing' 1,03..V Inthe'forrns'of .Eigs.f1'to`9, the ribsa'rev rnale'withy *Y respect :to `female grooves 'in-.ther bolt element,

.C l therein.' The whereas in the f orrn of Figs. 12 and 13, the ribs are male with respect to the bolt element and en gagelfemale grooves in the bushing.

A In-the formv of my invention shown in Figs; 14 and-'15, theshackle is of the type which is under tension. .A spring `eye 105 has a bushing 106v eye 107. The knife edgebearing construction associatedwithr the'eyesl110-110 may be similar Ato pridentical V,with the.`construction shown in Figs. 1

and 2 in connectionwith-the spring eye 1'8. 'g

"The bearingA construction at the lower end of v the .shackle associated with the eye 107, includes a shacklebolt 111 having a` conicalportion 112 2i) seatedvinto a lconical bore 113 of ashackle hanger 1,14, secured as by rivets 115 to a vehicle channel 116.

Thebolt 111 may berigidlydrawn intothe bore 113 by a nut 11'7 threaded on a shank 118 ofthe.

olt, anda washerV 119 spanning the end of the bore,... Y 1 `The bolt 111 is sufiiciently large indiameter toV transmit to the shackle the load on. the channel 1716-.. Outwardly of the hanger` 114, the bolt 111 comprises -a cylindrical portion 121 for a portion of lits length,kv and thence tothe outer end ,120

of the boltwitis cut away leaving a lsemil v y.cylindrical portion 122.1.A knife edge element clear the same to the end yof the 'bolt Yelement 122.

' grooves12'7V in the cylindrical outersurfacexof the bolt, 122.

The knife edge element 124 is substantially of sector-shape in cross-section, and conforms gen-Y erally to the innervcylind'rical wall of! the bush? l l, therein abus'hingl. The bushing v158, bolt eleV` `ing' 108, but may be longitudinally rounded se as actually to normally engage the wall.

ofthe bushing at acentral point? 128, 'and to at pointsremote therefrom as at129f129. f r A filler elementl `130l generally semi-cylindricalinicrossection extendsfrom the 'outer longitudinal end; of the knife edge element 123 130v and the outerend of the bolt 122, and the inner cylindrical portion 121 of the bolt. thus constitute two cylindrical bolt kportions adjafv centfthe ends ofthe bushingrlOS. A I The inner opposite confronting faces'131'-'131 ofthe cylindrical portion 121 and theller 130 vare preferably disposed in parallel transverse l planes makingVVV actual contact with the ends kof the knife edge element 123 only atv points adja- .centltheknife'edga and to this end thegends ofk thel eleinentf123 arebevelled-ci adjacent the edge as at 1'70 and-radially outwardly therefrcm.

theJend faces ofthe knife edge 121 are. cut back washer'.139engaging aV corresponding vformed portion of the packing 126 is pressedfagainst of vtheiller 130 and ltherbolt 122. Y

The. filler the ring by a compressionl spring 140 abutting uponthe washer andiupon the Cup. bottom to resiliently maintain pressure .seal at 137 'and at. .138... i i y A similar-packing'- elementl 136,- spring;VA 140,.

washer 139, are provided at the opposite end of the bushing land sealingly engages the same at 141,'.andvalso sealnglyengage at 142the'j lcylindrical surface comprisingfthe outer The spring 140 reacts against the bottoml 143y of a cup-form' element the skirt of which telescopically embraces the. packing 136,` and the bottom of which has a perforation 1.44 through which a shank portion ,145 Vof the bolt element 122 projects. f The cupefornr elementvlfi is maintained in position uponv the endof the bolt element 122 byja .nutY` 11i-ion thejthreaded shank 145. 1

It is believedthat the operation of the form of my invention of Figs. 14 and 15 will be clear from the detailed' description of the preceding surface forms inasmuch as the .elements of the con i struction areessentially the same, except `for those differences which adaptbearing .construction tothe particular type 4of shackle of Figs. 14

and 15. I

achannel or sill. element 152 of the automotive 153 into constricting clamping engagement upon y cylindrical portions formed semi-cylindrical ends r 1564-156 of bearing bolt element 11 'and semicylindrical-filler elements 15-15.4

los

.drawthe .splitl 154 ftogethenmay spring the eyes The. spring eye 150 has telescopically inserted plete description of theother. forms. w Y 1 Inr Figs. 22 and 23 I have illustrated another modification of my invention. The embodiment lillustrated in these figures'is generallysirnilar to These recesses are preferably rectangular inform, and inserts orsealing elements 161 are placed therein, compressingly filling the recess and preferably abutting at their oppositetransverse ends, asat 162-5162, Fig..23', upon the inner wall of the bushing '7. Thus `vthe mutually `engaged `planar faces of thev bolt element Y11v and filler elements 163 j are 'effectively sealedagainst the ingress of abrasive substances for the egress, of lubricantn Within thebushing when lubricant-isl employed.

` In Figs.` 24 and 2'5 Ihave illustrated a modifica tion of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17. In this modificatiomsealing. 'i

elements or inserts 161' are employed in the saineV manner and for -the purposes as those described above in connection with Figs. 22 and23. y

The inserts 161 are preferably .formedfrom' l cork'but obviously other materials niaybeused.

12o Y same or similar to'thoserof Figs. 1 andV ,2, and itis f believedthat the'operation of this/'formof my invention will bel understood from the l:more vcomvAlthough I have shown and described embodiments of my inventionI contemplate .that numeni ous and extensive departuresV may bemade there-,

from without departing from the spirit ofjmy in. vention and the appended claims. Having "thus,`

described my invention, what Iclaimis; j i

l.; The combination With ashackle hanger and. the terminal eye of a leaf spring of a-spring'y shackle mechanism comprising a. pair of: spacec'll parallel links each transversely apertured' at its` ends, the correspondingv apertures ofQtWoQlinksbeing in substantialalignment,A bearing mecha-v nisms vinterposed between' each pair of alignedly apertured link ends comprising a tubular cage disposed in substantial alignment with. ene of said pairs of aligned apertures and a pair of coop-` erating bearing elements disposed Within thecage,

one of said bearing elements `being"interlockfed Witlithe cage to restrain longitudinal relative mevernents of said 'interlocked element and cage, but permitting relative rotational `n iovenfient's thereof, the other of said bearing elements being rotatively supported in the cage to permit relative rotational movement'between it and said oage,`one.`

oisa'id elements fprovidedwith a longitudinally extending bearing L edge making asubstantially straight line rocking'bearing engagement only against a bearing surface of` said other. bearing" element, approximately axially of said cage.

2. vThe combination substantially as set forthin claim 1, characterized by said cage and interlocked bearing Aelement being relatively'V so formedthat projections ofthe one are indentured with recesses' 1 ofthe other. Y,

3.. Th'ecom'bin'ation substantially as set forth in' c laiin l ,`,characterized by said edged bearing. element` being `mounted Within said cage and. son."v

formed relatively to the'inner surface thereof, as

to permit 'slight `rocking'movementsV in a general plane extending' longitudinally and radially "o f saidcage whereby to'permita full substantiallin,

contact bearingengagexnent with the.; other .bear- A ing element,

4. The coinbination substantially Vas set forth` in claim 1 characterized by said interlock'edfe e ment `provided with end extensions each projects Aing withinal diierent one'ofa pair of sailaligned apertures and Xedly secured to said 1ink,.end s.

5. `The combination substantially as set forth rin claim 1 characterized by said interlocked'elef ment provided with end extensions each projects` ingwithin a different one of a pair of saidaligned apertures and fixedly secured to said linkends,

said extensions incompleteiy lling said aper.; tures`,'and"ller blocks disposed within said apr' Verturestogether withv said extensions. f i. y

6, A spring shackle mechanism .forivehicles comprising `a tubular bushing,l longitudinally" spaced inwardly directed portionsof said bush.- ing extending inwardly from a lateral Wall theree of, a bearing element having longitudinally" Y tured element;

spaced grooves, telescoped into and extending Within,"indent ured with, fand slidable within said grooves, va second bearing element `having a narrow bearing ,edge anda baseportion which is engaged withl said bushing, and making rocking contact along a longitudinal surface, oi' said first element. approximately at the axis of said bushing, and two supporting ,means joined with projecting ends of one' of saidbearing means outside of'said bushing for connecting thesanie to .a vehicle par, said bushingbeing exteriorly embraced by another vehiclepart, said parts bee ing hingedly interconnected bysaid mechanism:

'7. The combinationsubstantially as setforth" in' claim 5*!,characterized .the prevision offseale in'gine'ansfat' the ends'ofsaid bushing torestrain the ingress o f dirt 'and moisture.

8. .The. combination substantially asy setforth inV claim 6',` characterized\ by said projectionsbel ing substantially .arcuate informand comprising integral` bodily-'offsetl portions 'offsaid *bushing4 *l .Waus v 9L` bearing'. mechanism. comprising a 'load y supporting tube. and 'apair of paralll'bearin elements witliinthe 'tubefone havingV portions bearing elements making onlyfav substantially straight` line engagement at approximately the' aXis` off theftubegf andlsaid elements being lrelaf` tivelyrotatable about Isaid line of Contact, one oi said Velements engaged with an inner,l wall. or i saldi tube, muy-by aimediai portion, 'wherebygip u may rock. about4 iispoint of engagemear-t'friaf -1 V95 sure'` seliseating Contact` engagement'ivith the otherelenient'forthe iulllengtlif of thebearf' 10,.,111 afkmfe edge bearing', tile combination* surface" upon Whichlari .eqseof 4the?.other"fraai.

of4 a pairof 'bearing' elements` one presenting. a

.rocky Said, edge'eiid.suffibins in engagement. l Valongie.. subs tantially straight lineextending ax'' ia'lly v vof the bearing,4 and means Vsupporting Said l elements in bearing engagement comprising 105. toI effecty engagement of the bearing elements l 1 means to permit longitudinal rocking movement alone. 'theentirexline 0f bearing Contact:

load porting tube one presenting ahsurfmace' ,1.1; In. a knife. edge bearing.; thecpombinauo Hof ya 'pair' of 'bearing elements" surrounded 'by `a edge lrand "surface being in .engagement along f it: K substantially. straight -`line f extending axially, )of .i

vthe bearing,and;v means supporting said eleme'ifit` f in bearing enges-em t omprisins'mnstl p mit, lbngitudil'l festive 'movement t0 effect ngagernent o'fithe bearing elementsfalong the enf iridenwred. with .correspondingly spaced portions;

o f Asaid tube toffrestrain relativeV lcingtu'dinal` 4` movements ofsaidturbe and saidelements.

' 12 111e, krif edge bearing,ithejmbntl of a pairV of bearing elements onepresentiiig asurfaceagainst which an edge of'thefother'rnay rook, said edge and .s` urface beinDr in'engagement tire' 11.11@ .0f .beeringiibntaet@sebi .Said bearing: elements ,having longitudinally` spaced,V portions f j along a substantiallystraight lineiextending 'axLv V ial'lyof the bearing, ,andmeans' supporting said elementsf in bearing Ieng agement comprising? means to permit longitudinal. rocking movement to effect engageme/nt.k of theY bearing elements-1 alongr `the entire linefof bearing contact, said supe porting means comprising a tube havinglongi- "tudinallyspaced portions indentured with one of said bearing elements to-.restrainV relative" lorigi4 tudin'al movements'oi said .tube and said inden` 13.` 'I he combination substantially as Set forth in claim 9, characterizedby saidgtubehaving are cuate inwardlyprojected rib pOrtiOnsindentured with grooves of f one of saidI elements. i

tively rotatapleailout saisies@ ornement, one@ Said elements engaged wither; ieeerwell'ef .S

noV .um w. ahmed@ of. the 'other may rodean: 1

tube only. byy ar medial-V5 portion whereby it yreak about its point vof engagement to insure selfseating ine contact engagement with the other element for the full legtlr'of the bearing, the other element comprising means lockingitwith said .tube 'against movements longitudinallyA of said tube.` i K 15. In a knife edge bearing, the combination of e apair of` bearing elements onepresenting a sur-v faceuponwhich an edgexof the other may rock,l

saidedge and 'surface being in engagement along a substantially straight lineextending axially of the bearing,iand means supportingsaid elej ments in bearing engagement comprising. meansy to permit longitudinal rocking'movement toeffectf engagementl of the'bearing elements along the` entire line ofbearing contact; at least'one of saidelem'ents being restrainedzfrom movement relative to saidsupporting means in a direction longitudinal ofsaid line of bearing engagement.

16. In Aa bearing mechanism, the `combination of apair of elongated relatively parallelbearing elements surrounded bya loadfsupportingtubc,

one having a relatively flattened bearing surface making'a 'substantially line contact with a substantiallyedge portion of the other vbearing element, Vwhereby said `bearing elements are relatively rotatable along the resulting line of bearing contact, said tube enclosing both said elements in such avposition relative'to each other and said tube thatv said line contact is'had substantially at Y the axis of the tube, one of ,said elements extend'- ing beyond, the ends of the tube to form load supporting portions,.and having an 'intermediately disposed radially extending' projection interlockedl with' `an intermediate portion interiorlyof the tube."

17. In a bearing mechanism', thecombination of a pair of elongated relatively parallel bearing ele- 'men-ts, surroundedvby a load supporting tub'eone having a relatively flattened bearing surf ace ,make

ving a substantiallyV line lcontact withV a slightly rounded substantially edge. portion vof thej'other vbearing element, whereby said bearing elements gitudinally'convexlycurved. y

are relatively rotatable alongrthe resulting line of bearing contact, said elements, having elongated arcuate outer surfaces, which are generally coaxial with said tube axis,'s`aid tube enclosing both' said elements Vin such a position'relative to leach t other and said'tube'that said line contact is had substantially att'ne axis of the tube, at least one of said elements having-its Vsaid outer surface lon- 18. In a bearingniechanism, the combination 'of a pair of elongated relatively parallel bearing elements surrounded by a load supporting tube,

one having a relatively flattened bearing surface t making a substantially line contact with aslightly rounded substantially edge lportion of the other bearing element, whereby said bearing elementsare relatively rotatable along the re'sultingline of bearing lcontact, said elem-ents'` having clon-Y' gated arcuate Outer surfaces, Vwhich are generally co-axial with said tube axis, saidtube enclosing both said elements inj such a position relative to f tweenftheeleinents.alengsaid line of ,'contact. Y

A19; In; aj-bearingv mechanism," the combination Y VV'of afpair 'of elongatedVv relatively parallel bearingj completing the cyl tened bear 1,9245587 A l I elements, one having 'a relatively flattened bearing surface making a substantially line'contact with j a substantially edge portion of the' other bearing element,y whereby said bearing elementsare rela-A tively rotatableralong the resulting line offbearf-f' ing Contact, a load transmitting tube lenclosing bothsaid elements in sucha position relative to` eachother and said tube thatsaid line contact is hadsubstantially at the axis of the tube, oneA of said velements extending kbeyond 'the ends of the tube to forni lead supporting portions', .said lastY named element provided with a plurality of spaced transversely extending grooves on its outer sur face, said tube having a pluralityof compleinentary spaced projections extending into said grooves to interlock said'olenient and tube against relative longitudinal movements.

"20. In abearing mechanism,

witha substantially edged portion of the other bearing element whereby said bearing elements e are relatively .rotatable along the resulting line of bearing Contact, a tube enclosing both said ele-11i ments, one of said elements extending beyond the'v ends of the tube to form load supporting portions of partly cylindrical form, filler elements complet# Y the combinationY cfa pair of elongated relatively parallel bearing elements, one having a relatively flattened 'bearing surface making av substantially line` contact es4 e ing the cylindrical form thereof between whichg` the edged bearing element is longitudinally dis posed, annular sealing .elements engaging the tube Y Vends 'and the cylindrical part to'seal the tube.

215111 a bearing mechanism, thecornbination vv`of a pair of elongated,relatively'parallel vbearing elements,V one having a relatively attened bearing 'f surface making a substantially line contact with' a substantiallyedgedl portion o i the otherbearing y element whereby said bearing elements are rela-- tively rotatable along the resulting line of bear` ing Contact, a tube enclosing `both saidv elements, f

one of saideleinents extending beyond, thee'nds ofthe tube to form load vsupportingiportions of partly cylindrical forni, ilerelernents completing thecylindrical form. thereof between lwhich the .edgedfbearingelement is longitudinally'disposed, annular sealing elements engaging thetubej-'ends and the cylindrical part to seal the'tube, and resilient means for maintaining the seal.l

221. In a bearing mechanism, the combination oa pair of elongated relatively parallel bearing elements, one having ,a relatively attened bear- Vingsurface malringa substantially line Contact with a 'substantiallyedged portion of the. other bearing element whereby said bearingelements are relatively rotatable'along the resulting line of bearing Contact, a tubeenclosingf'both said elements, one of said elements Vextending beyond the ends of the tube to forin` load supporting. portions of partly cylind icalA iorrn, filler elements which the edged bearing elenientris longitudinally cal form thereof between disposed, annular sealing eleinents'enga'gingthe tube ends and the cylindrical part to seal the tube, and, theriiller elements en g'agi-ngJ the vedged element only on end rpcrrtions ci thelatter'adja cent its to `fricticnlessly*restrain it frein longitudinal ,nieve mentl in the tube.

In a [bearing mechanism, the combination of a pairof elongatedA relatively parallel ng a relatively iiat- *ng a *substantially 'Y bearing el cents,v one havi surface' "M line contact with' substantiallyedged portion,-

KYof, the yother bearing Veleirnent whereby; said bear-v ingeleinents are relatively rotatablealong the resultinglineV ci bearing contact, a tube enclosing isa f elements, one havinga relatively flattened bearo bothsaid elements, o neofv said elements extend. ingbeyond the` ends of `the tu e andterminato-'-Y 24; In abearing mechanism, the combination of a" pair of elongated' ireiativeiyparaud bearing ing surface making '-'a substantiallyy line lcontact i with a substantially Vedged portion oftheother ,t bearing element'vhereby saidwbearing elements" are relativelyrotatable along the resultingline` of bearing contactfa Vload-transmittirfig tube ,enfk closing both said elements i'n-s'uch a positionrela-d tive to eachother andsaid tube thaty said line' con# tact :isf had substantially at' the airis -of the tube, oneof said elements extendingib'eyond the ends of the tube toform a load-supporting;portion, oneof `saideleivnents beingrotatable in the tube whereby upon 'relatively 4gl'at relative 'rotational o movementof the 'elements -andfyihe-jciisequeiii impact 'o of portion of j one element upon the other, the rotatable element be rotatablydis'- placedinthe-tube.

' 25".- In a bearing mechanism v:the combination of a pair of -elongatedlrelatively parallel bearing elements, one having a` relativelyfdattened-beau'` surface lrnakinga substantially line contact with' a 'substantially'edgedf'portion of, the 'other bearing elementwherebysaid bearing 'elements 0, are relatively rotatable along the Vresulting'line" of bearing contact,'a load-transmitting tube en-V closing both Isaid elements in such a position relative to :each other andjsaid tubejthatsaid line contact is had substantially at the `axis of the tube, one of said elements extending beyond the .endsv of the tube to form a load-supporting por`-A tion,.one of said elementsbeingrotatablein the u tube fwhereby upon,y relatively great .relative krootational movement of the elements and the consequent impact of Va portion offoneelement uponr the other, the rotatable element'niayfbe rotat` ably displaced inthe tubejjand thesaid edge por` tion. being bluntly" rounded whereby4 jload upon the' tube transmitted to the edged element from the flattened element may rotatably restore the i displaced erle'm'e'nt. o t y mechanism, ,l the' combination r "276.1"Y In a bearing Qffa pair pflogated relatively parallel bearing elements, one yhaving ai relatively nattened bear ing surface'fmakinga substantially `line contact with',"a"substantialzly edged portionjof the other vbearing element;A whereby saldbe'aring; elements va're'elatively, rotatable along" the resultingline o'fibearing contact,`a load-transmitting tube'entive to each other and said tubethat said line con` 7 lclosing both said elements iin such a 'position relatact ishadsubstant-ially at the airisfof'the'tube,l one `Vof said elen'ientsV extending beyond Vthefen'ds of thetubeto f orm load-supporting portions, one"` of said elementsbeingrecessed longitudinally in portions thereof between the lineof edge conf'j tact andthe tube wall to cause impact Ibetween the elements resulting ,from relatively great rotational movement which' may` occur on -portions of the elementsrelativelyv` radially remote from the said edge;V 1-

' 2'7-.` In a shackle bearingY construction,v a pair of shackle hangers -havingfspaced Vpairs'of aligned cylindrical eyes',a pair vfofp'arallel bearing'selements each havingfcylindrical,portions secured in the eyes, against longitudinal.,andorotational movement, and eachfha'ving aiattenedfsrubstanf tially planar Vvbearing fsui'face vsubstantially v coin-'- cident with the `cylindrical axis, anddisposed be- `tween the eyes, a knife edge bearing element having a substantiallyv knife `edge portion 1 rockingly in bearing engagement comprising means to per mit longitudinal relative;rockingfmovement jto,v y

t spring, a 'bearing' mechanism' therefor comprisingopl-bearing elements one, presenting a surface 4againstwhichean edge olfC thefother may rock, o

vengaging'the;flatter red surfacea Ytube surroundj ing :b'thfsaid bearing elements and engaging'the- `lnife edge ,elementi on a generally cylindrical por,` tion opposite its'edgeto'transrnit load'toafnd'fromH f i' Y L. 28,. In combination with the eye of aleaf spring, '"5' the knife edge elements. i

a bearingniechanism'thereforcornprisingfin'Y a,

knifeqedge bearing, the combination lof` aiparof vbearing elements'one presenting a surfacel against .wiiihyaii edgejof-,fihe oiiiejrfmay rock, said edge and' 'surface being in engagentrent` along v a subff stantially straight lineextending a'xiallyof the-v bearing, andmeans supporting said 'elements in bearing engagement Ycomprising means topermit l 1 longitudinal rocking movement `to effect "engagegj ornent, of `the bearingelements falongl the mentire` line of bearing-contact.' 4

pair` of bearingelernents one presenting asjurfaee nl t against Whicha'n-edge of theother may rocl`,fsaid f' I edge and surface being in `engagementfalong` @a substantially' 'sitraight'line extending axially of the'zbearin'g, and means supporting` said elements 2 9. In combinationl. with thiey ofr f 'spring',"'a" bearing mechanism thereforjcomp'ris'- eect :engagement `of lthe bearing elements alongf`v the entire 4line offbearing Contact, and a'vbushing Y ments comprising apin projected throughvfsaidf"l"l Y' bushing, andthe other. being disposed betweenran disposed Withins'aid spring eyeone; of the Aeleintermediate portion of vthe pin 'and said bushing.

3i).v Incombination. with the eye of a leaf spring, a L bearing finech'anism'` therefor ,cornprisfl ing in afknifeedge bearing, the vcunbination of" apair'of bearing'telemfentson presentinga,surf` 'l f face uponwhich an edgeof the Aothermay rock,

:saidedge'andfsurface being in engagement along a substantially v,straight'line extending axiallyc `of the bearingand means spporting 'said elements inlbearing engagement comprisingfmeans to permit longitudinal vrelative rocking 4rnovei'n'en't t0 l effec@ engagement of they bearing elements a1o'ng'1'20 the14 entire lineV of VbearingV contact, atn`dr a'bush'` ing idisposed Within Vsaid spring-,eye pone." of the ,y elements comprising apintprojecied 'throughsaid bushing; and the other being' disposedbetw'eenan j intermediate portiofn of the piny and said bushing, and meanscompris'ingindentured riband groove tive longiiudinai'rioveiiiiits thereof; i

elements of said bushing andpin torestrain"rela-A 31. In combination with the. leye in a kni'fe'edg'e" bearingi the combination of. a pair said edge and rsurface being inengagementalong a `substantiallystraight line extending axially of the bearing, and. means supporting said elements in Ibearingengagerrient comprisingmeansitfo Lper,- mitlongitudinalgrelative rocking movement to effect .engagement ofv the bearing elements'along I` l fthe entire line loi'bearing contact, anda bushing disposed within said spring` eye one ofthe elef g ments comprising ap'in projected through :said

bushing, aii'dlihe einer being disposed` between! an intermediateportion of .the pin andfsaid)bush-v ing,V andl meansr comprising., indenture'dl rib and groove elements 'fosaid bushing andi-pintore-r strainrelaiive longitudinal, movements-thereof. i

combination of a pair of bearing' lements, one. havingY a straightl edge, and the elements havingV lateral relative rocking bearing contactiat said tions. 20

edgealon'gr substantially the axis of the bearir 1g ,a Aload Atransmitting element provided with a generally cylindrical bore surrounding'the bear*- ing elements, one of the elements projectingj from. opposite ends 'of the bore and having cylin` dricalend portions' externally thereof, .and af second load transmittingelementl secured to the 4'cylindrical portions f 33. A .knife edge bearing mechanism as de-v v scribed in claim 32 and characterized 'byk the provisionof means to seal the cylindrical en d portions with respect vto the bore; f

34. A knife edge bearing mechanism aside? scribed in claim v 3 2 characterized bythe pro-v vision of *m eans to sealjthe cylindricalfend porup'o'n portions of the load transmitting ele- Inents adjacent ends of the bore;

35.` 'A knifeY edge bearing..mechanism de scribedin claim 32 and in which at'least one of the cylindrical end j portions comprises a part cylindrical portion of Ythe. projecting element and a' part cylindrical element mutuallywen-4 gaged on axially extending surfaces.

36. A knife edge bearing mech'anismasfdef scribed in claim 32 and in which at least one of the cylindrical end portions.' 'comprises' a' part cylindrical portion of the projecting element and apart cylindrical element mutually engaged on axially extending substantially coaxial planarv surfaces. Y 1 Y 37.A knife edge bearing "mechanism vas described in claim 32 and'I1Wh ich at least one of the cylindrical end portions comprises a part cylindrical Aportion of the projectingelement and apart cylindrical element mutually engagedon axially extending surfaces and sealing means is provided to seal' .the surfaces against the escape therebetween of lubricant supplied to 1 the in v teriorofthe bore.

38'. A knife edge; bearing nechanisznVv als.' described inclaim'32 and gin'whic'n the.straight.l

edged elementabuts at its opposite axial end portions upon .transverse portions of the Vl other elementl to position itjaxially relative thereto.

` 139. A knife edge bearing mechanism as de.- j 1 scribed in claimj32and` in whichaxially oppositef end portions ofl the `straight edged element abut upon inwardly facing surface'portions of ting element to prevent' axial displacement'rela- 4 1 Aknife edge bearing mechanism as 'del scribed. in claim 32 and in which the element 'whichpifojects from `thebore is interlocked with kvthe bored load transmitting element and the v f' *i .42. vA` knife edge bearing fm'echanism` as 'def v Y' scribedin claim 32 and in 'which the elementv edged element is interlocked with the other bearing elementv to prevent axial displacement-fof the element relative to the bore.`

`which projects from the boreis. interlockedfwith the bored load transmitting element by meshed parti-circular tongues andgrooves onthe'elementl inner- Wallof the. bore rto prevent relatlve y axial and onthe wall ofrthebore to prevent axial dis.

.f placementof the Asaid element relative to -the bore.

Y .f Aknife edge. bearing.rneehanism'rlasl `del scribed "in claim-32andin"which the straight.

upon transverse portions-.0f the o edgedv vbearing elengent contacts theothexj bearing elementen a-fsub'stantially.planar coaxial sur-A facethereof.

44'; A knife'edgelbeari-ng mechanism` as 'described in claim 32`and'iniwhich the straight edged bearing element-contactsthe other bearing lelement by its edge' at l the apexof a longi` tudinally extending transversely generally shapedgroove portion.

45. Aknife edgebearingf mehanism fas'de- Y. scribed in claim 32 andinwhich thebearing elementsareniovable rockingly longitudinally in the said boreto insureself-fseating"line'contact engagement between the twoV elements for the full length 'of the bearing edge'.

4 6. A knife edge-bearing mechanisinas .del scribed in claim 32 andin which the edge bearing' 'element is formed 'torock longitudinally on Vthe b orewall to insure selffseating linefcontact fengagement between the two elementslfor the "full length ofthe bearingVv edge. `5

411A knife edge bearing .mechanismf-asde-i scribedl in claim 32 and in which the edged ele- V ment'is generally of'sector shape inY transverse 'Y section,V providing lubricant chambers'on each 100 sideV thereof, and passageways are provided at at least one end of the element to permit lubricant to ilowjfreely from one side of the element Vto the otherupon relative l rocking movementof the two elements.y v'48. In a knife lateral relative rocking bearing `f :ontact at said a loady transmitting element provided "with a. generally cylindrical bore surrounding'thelbear-` portions 4projecting from'oppositefends of the cured tothe projecting end portions.

Vedge bearing mechanism: the combination of a pair. of bearing elementsonie having a straight edge,and the elements havingv edgealong substantially theaxis of the bearingV ling"elements, .one of the7 elements having end'v 1 .n

b ore, and a second load transmitting element se'` 115 l49. A Vknife .edge bearing mechanismasv deiscribedin claim 48 and in which thestraight edged element abuts at its opposite axial end portions ther element. to

positionit axially relative thereti 50. A knife/,edgejbearing mechanism 'der'. t l

scribed in claim-4B`and'inf whichaxial end por-- i tions ofthe straight' edged element abut upon in wardly'facing surface portions oi the projecting end -portionsftoposition it relativeto the other element.

vscribed in claimf48 and in which'the bearing elements are interlockedrwith ,the bored load transmitting element te, prevent vaxial displacement relative thereto'.. -v

5 2. Afknife edge gbearingvmechanism as described in claim V48 and in'which theelement-projecting from the bore is interlocked with the bored 53.rA` knifefe'dge bearing ymechanism as .de-

scribedV in claiml48f-andin'whichthe elementA which projects from the bore is .interlockedwith the load Atransmitting Yeleme n` tf*by meshed .particircular tongues and groovesjonrtheelement and displacement thereof relativeto the bore.

scribedr'in claim 48..andin whichthe :straight edged bearing element contactsf the `other bear.-

"54E lA knife edge v' bearing mechanismV as .de-1' ing element by its edge at therapex of alon'giA tudinally extending transversely generallyV V.-`

Ashaped groove portion.

55.` A knife edge bearing mechanism "as, de-` scribed inrclaim 48 and in which the said straight edge of the edged element is `on a. separate hardened element supported by the edged element.l

56. A knife edge bearing mechanismfas described in claim 48 and in which the bearing elements are movable rockingly longitudinally in` the said bore to insure self-seating line contact i engagement between the two elements for the VfullV length of thebearing edge.

57. A knife Vedge bearingmechanisml lasY described in claim 48 and in which the edged ybearvvelements.

engagement between thel .two elementsfor th 58. Al knifej Vedge bearing mechanism yas` de` ment is ygenerally of sectoi` shape'in vtransversev section,"Y providing .lubricant chambers. Aon"` each A side thereof andi-providing palssalgewa'ysg 'at aty Y least one endofpthe"element to permitlubricant to Aflow freely from one end of theelement to the other upon relative `rocking movement 'of 'the' two 

